Intro
No, but it is highly recommended. Incorporation provides protection to individual members in certain situations and gives your organisation the right to sign contracts, lease premises, operate bank accounts, receive grant monies from government and so on. In today’s sporting climate, it is considered very good practice.
If the club is unincorporated, no. But it is more businesslike and it ensures that the club has a set of objectives.
If you want to become incorporated, yes.
Booklet 12 of this series Establishing your club rules and becoming incorporated provides a step-by-step guide to establishing a set of rules.
New legislation passed in 2016 governs incorporation. Contact the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (Consumer Protection Division) to obtain a comprehensive information package to guide you in becoming incorporated, including model rules that can be used free of charge.
Two simple rules:
You need to put a committee into place to run the club. Remember that small committees tend to be more effective so that all members can play a part in decision-making.
Clubs usually have:
Work out the main areas of responsibility, e.g. fundraising, social etc – then determine the size of the committee required. Recruit a qualified member for special projects as they arise, and try to avoid having people on a committee just to make up numbers.
No. Small club accounts are not complicated, but an effective system right at the start is important.Ask someone who knows how to set up a simple bookkeeping system to write down the steps for reference. There are many different and easy to use software packages for clubs to use for effective financial management. Be sure to use one.
Clubs can use very simple hand kept records of who belongs to the club, their contact details and details regarding their financial status. It is wise to use a computer to keep records as it’s more efficient and effective.
It is recommended that initial registrations be done face to face (e.g. registration day) and after that, if at all possible, managed online to include the payment of fees by bank transfer. This is the most simple and effective method.
Sponsors can cover all or some of the activities of the club, in a general or event-specific way. Firstly, ask your club if sponsors are necessary.
If yes, be sure to prepare a proposal for any potential sponsor that clearly states what the club will do and at what cost for a sponsor. Then make sure you deliver all that has been promised in any sponsorship deal. Non-delivery will destroy a sponsorship arrangement and future relationships.
It is worth remembering that if you secure sponsor’s funds or goods that it is going to cost you time and effort to make the support worthwhile.
It is usually better to get your club running efficiently and find sponsors only for specific projects when required.
There are a variety of grants available to community sport and recreation clubs. Your local government and/or Healthway may have grant schemes that you can access.
No, but it is recommended. If the club is incorporated it is required to have an official address and must inform the Commissioner for Consumer Protection of this address. The club must notify the commissioner of a change of address within 28 days of it occurring.
Yes, it is highly advisable!
The department has regional officers with expertise in the delivery of sport and recreation including various aspects of running clubs/groups, junior sport, seniors, Aboriginal sport, coaching, officiating and volunteers that can help. Do not hesitate in contacting your local department office. Your local government may also have services within their operations such as club development officers and recreation officers that can assist.
Ten hints
Good luck!